Monday, November 1, 2010

Don't Shut Off Your Pain

However desperate you become, accept your pain as it is,because it is in fact trying to handyou a priceless gift:the chance of discovering, through spiritual practice,what lies behind sorrow.

~Sogyal Rinpoche

Of Note: Tomorrow is election day in the United States. For many, this will be a day of immense psychic pain because it is predicted that the Republicans will take over at least the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate as well. The Tea Party has rolled in and changed the political landscape in ways unimaginable two years ago when President Barack Obama promised hope and change. Disillusioned with the results, some of the populace is voting in the other direction, just enough probably to overturn Democrat dominance. The President might remember the universal law: "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." The ride up to the pinnacle is exhilarating, the ride down to the depths just the opposite. The voters may be responding to that experience. It would appear the President and his party certainly are.

Today's Weather Report: Getting out to vote is quite weather dependent. Here it sunny and predicted to remain that way. Thus, there can be no excuse not to vote tomorrow. Though we take our opportunity to vote for granted, people in the Ivory Coast do not. Their first election since the civil war in 2002 was held last week. Lines started forming at 4 am because "there is a real desire for change." In that state, it has taken almost an act of God to get the elections off the ground. Actually, an act of God, $400 million, and 9,000 UN peacekeepers. Before the elections could take place, who could vote was one of the major questions. That is where the money came in--over the last 5 years, voter registration took place in a nation divided over immigration status and regionalism. What's more, all parties had to agree on the final list of voters. Only when the neighboring Burkina Faso figured it out in 2007, was the impasse broken. One voter proclaimed on election day: "We waited a long time for this election. There will be change." Only if all sides agree on the election results, however. If not, the sides will begin fighting over the spoils once again. In anticipation of a rocky post-election period, many citizens are stocking up on supplies. Given this scenario in the Ivory Coast and many other developing nations, our political problems pale in comparison.

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DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN

No one would argue that we are in a time of change. Most would also agree that this is a time of drastic, maybe even a time of accelerating change. Some would say "Yeah, but it is certainly not in the right direction." This group might call themselves realists; some might say pessimists.

While others, probably a minority, would say, "Hum, you know, it's always darkest before the dawn. But, the light is already starting to shine through in a place or two." This latter group, too, might call themselves realists; some might say optimists. Others might just call them dreamers, idealists or worse, just plain stupid.

The challenge on this blog is to watch for change that tracks the second premise. Given time, I feel certain that we will see a story unfold in the next decade that may be startling in its simplicity--even though the happenings of the times might look otherwise.

MARIE'S PHOTOS

My sister, Marie, is an excellent amateur photographer. My blog is blessed to have her photos as a daily inspiration. I take some photos as well, and I will mention when they are used. Otherwise, enjoy Marie's awesome pictures. BTW, besides having a good eye, my sister is one of the most loving people around. Anyone viewing this blog can readily feel potent spiritual qualities emanating from her artistic work.

THE GREAT INVOCATION

From the point of Lightwithin the Mind of God,Let Light stream forth into the minds of men,Let Light descend on earth.

From the Point of Lovewithin the Heart of God,Let Love stream forth into the hearts of men,May Christ return to earth.

From the center wherethe Will of God is known,Let purpose guide the little wills of men,The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the center whichwe call the race of men,Let the Plan of Love and Light work out,And may it seal the door where evil dwells.